Rooftop Patents (Class 454/242)
  • Patent number: 9869093
    Abstract: A roof vent for supporting a solar panel is provided. The roof vent includes a vent member and a solar panel support element. The vent member is sized and shaped to mimic the appearance of a roof cover element. The vent member includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion separated from the lower portion by a gap. The solar panel support element is attached to the vent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Gregory S. Daniels
  • Patent number: 9523510
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide a roof vent comprising a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The second portion is connected to the first portion. The third portion is connected to the second portion and defines one or more openings therein. The fourth portion is connected to the third portion. In a first region of the roof vent when the first portion and the third portion are resting on a horizontal surface, the second portion angles upward away from the first portion and the third portion angles downward towards, but does not contact, the first portion so as to create a gap in a bottom of the roof vent in gaseous communication with the one or more openings. In a second region of the roof vent, the second portion is substantially coplanar with the first portion, and a part of the second portion is pressed directly against a part of the third portion, which is pressed directly against a part of the fourth portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventors: Martin K. Kolt, Ethan J. Kolt
  • Patent number: 9157630
    Abstract: A ventilating fan, includes a frame provided with an opening, a fan disposed in the frame, a panel covering the opening of the frame and allowing air passing through and a lighting device disposed in the panel. The lighting device includes a lampshade, in which a lighting part is placed, and a circuitry box of a controller for controlling the lighting part. A gap is formed in a connection between the circuitry box and the panel such that a water discharge structure communicated with outside of the circuitry box is formed. Advantages of the present invention includes that a gap communicated with outside of the circuitry box is provided in a connection between the circuitry box and the panel, which allows water to be discharged through the gap from inside of the panel, even water would enter into inside of the circuitry box, thus safety operation of the product is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignees: Panasonic Ecology Systems Guangdong Co. Ltd., Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Gangyi Li, Jianrong Zhu, Shouyong Gao
  • Patent number: 8974275
    Abstract: A passive ventilation stack for a room, building or the like comprises an interior space and first and second openings providing fluid communication between the interior space and a room to be ventilated, and the outside atmosphere. A control system is provided for varying the size of the openings, so as to cause natural heat exchange between relatively cool ventilation air entering the stack from outside and relatively warm air entering the stack from a room or building to be ventilated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cambridge Enterprise Limited
    Inventors: Andrew W. Woods, Shaun D. Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20140248832
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus allows fresh air to be introduced into a building through action of a special manifold which directs air entering the building through the furnace combustion feed tube to be introduced into the interior atmosphere of the building, while air from the interior of the building is directed to the furnace and ultimately exhausted to the exterior of the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: John P. Hanus
  • Patent number: 8790167
    Abstract: A vent for a roof includes a body having an inner surface facing the roof, an outer surface, first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing sides. First and second edge portions are disposed at or about the first and second sides, respectively, and include a plurality of openings for the passage of air. A plurality of protrusions extend outwardly from the inner surface of the body. A plurality of elongated resilient members extend longitudinally between the first and second ends of the body and cooperate with the protrusions. At least a portion of each of the elongated resilient members extends beyond a bottom edge of the vent and is compressed against the exterior surface of the roof, in order to substantially fill in and seal spaces between the exterior surface of the roof and the at least one vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Air Vent, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Bradley Holland, Andrew Frederick Lindahl
  • Patent number: 8776450
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a building roof structure formed by a skeleton, hollow assemblies, a waterproof layer and a heat insulation plate. The hollow assemblies are installed on the skeleton, the waterproof layer is paved on the hollow assemblies and the heat insulation plate is disposed above the waterproof layer. Hot air rising up inside the building and heat accumulated on the roof by being exposed to sun can all be circulated out through cooling spaces formed by the hollow assemblies, which achieves the cooling effect of natural air circulation to reduce temperature inside the building without using external fans or air drafting equipment. Therefore, the green building concept that saves energy and reduces CO2 emission is complied with, thereby improving the living quality of building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Men-Chyan Lee
  • Patent number: 8695585
    Abstract: Grease filtration systems suitable for use on the rooftop of a building are disclosed. Methods of making and using grease filtration systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Terry Kessler, Keith Crane
  • Publication number: 20130344793
    Abstract: A housing for a ventilation arrangement, with a profiled rod providing a radial extension in each corner, with a pivotted guide vane extending between the rod and the remainder of the housing. In normal wind conditions this radial extension guides air into or out of the housing. In very high wind conditions the guide vane can however pivot and/or flex to release any excessive pressure caused by the high wind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventors: Nicholas John Hopper, Anthony Francis Cull
  • Publication number: 20130196587
    Abstract: A louvre arrangement for a ventilation arrangement. The louvre arrangement defining a plurality of passages into a housing. The passages extending generally upwardly inwards, and having an upper concave surface to urge air passing therethrough to turn inwardly and downwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Nicholas John Hopper, Anthony Francis Cull
  • Patent number: 8360834
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved AHU that can be easily architecturally disguised, made in a modular unit, have increased overall efficiency and ease of servicing, reduce radial noise emissions and allow for the direct adjacent placement of additional AHU's. This AHU has a cuboid structure with smooth side walls that are insulated and adapted for the attachment of aesthetic surface treatments, roof inset fans louvered end walls with door access. Heat removal can accomplished through angled heat exchangers also housed within the enclosure. Air filtration is also accomplished with angled filters. The improved aesthetic appearance of these units also eliminates the use of surrounding architectural parapet walls or screening units. The improved space effectiveness and modularity shall provide greater flexibility in building construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Middleton Semmes
  • Patent number: 8273162
    Abstract: The objective of the unit 10 is mainly to adsorb Hydrogen Sulfide gas (also known as H2S) and other gases including but not limited to Carbon Dioxide 26 from plumbing, sewer, and wastewater management system vents 21 thereby removing the odor and or greenhouse gasses associated with the air stream/gas 26. The unique “T” housing 12 shaped design, along with the unique perforated disc containment system 14 holds the filtration media 16 in the horizontal portion 120 of the “T” housing 12. configuration allows fresh air circulation 28 to blend with the odorous gasses 26 passing through the filtration media 16 within the containment chamber and reduces their concentration (PPM) thereby increasing the life of the unit 10. Having the inlet to the filtration media at the base of the vertical portion of the “T” 120 and two outlets at the distal ends 119 of equal or greater size and diameter as each other or as the inlet, also reduces Pressure drop across the media 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventors: Louis John Pagano, Mark Steven Russo, Anthony J. Prisco, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110294412
    Abstract: A roof vent designed to be nestable for easy shipment and which can be injection molded includes a base member and cover member. The base is nestable in an identical base, and the cover is nestable in an identical cover. The base and cover can be totally separate or connected by a living hinge or runner. To install the vent, the cover is positioned over the base and the two are nailed together to the roof surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Vagedes
  • Patent number: 8021217
    Abstract: A self-contained pre-manufactured roof top unit is used to circulate fresh air, heat or cool a building. The housing has a blower connected into a circulation system to circulate air into and out of the building. The unit has a pressure relief opening for connection into the building that is used to relieve air pressure buildup within the building. The pressure relief opening is part of a pressure relief passage that is independent of the blower and has an exhaust vent that opens and closes automatically in response to pressure differential between the building and ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: MNE Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Greig J. Tollar
  • Publication number: 20110117831
    Abstract: A ceiling-embedded ventilation fan includes: a casing provided in a box-shape frame inserted and mounted in a ceiling and having an opening facing an indoor side in a lower face thereof, the casing having a side face formed in a scroll shape and set in a vertical direction, the casing further having a casing intake port in the lower face of the frame and a casing discharge port in a side portion of the frame; a centrifugal blower blade housed in the casing and having a blade intake port facing the casing intake port; and an electric motor which rotates the centrifugal blower blade, wherein the centrifugal blower blade is provided so that an upper side of an axial center thereof is tilted in a direction toward an upstream side of a centrifugal airflow based on a center line of the casing intake port in a direction orthogonal to the casing discharge port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masashi Taguchi, Takayoshi Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20090215382
    Abstract: A passive venting device for venting enclosures comprising a base member, an intermediate splash member including a diverter, and a top, dome-shaped member. In a preferred embodiment, the diverter may be molded as a single unit of manufacture with the base member. The venting device allows air and other gases to escape from within an enclosure to be vented while preventing the intrusion of moisture, such as rain or snow, into the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Scott Polston
  • Publication number: 20080302026
    Abstract: Disclosed is a modular, expandable, and portable shooting range system. The system can include one or more shooting modules that mount together to provide different numbers of shooting lanes with various lengths. The shooting modules are pre-engineered with removable panels to permit additional shooting modules to be added on as customer orders. This configuration also permits adding to the length of the shooting range to accommodate firing of different weapons. The shooting range system can further include a control booth which is divided from the shooting lanes. The control booth can be integrally formed with the shooting modules, or can be separate. The control booth can include a module control which allows a person to control lighting, air, and target control systems of the shooting range system, and can further provide a safe location to view the range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: SRI AQUISITION CORP.
    Inventor: Michael D. Halverson
  • Publication number: 20080287051
    Abstract: An improved ventilation apparatus, system and method for attaching a base portion to a top unit of an outdoor building ventilation system is provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to a ventilation with an improved and unique clasping system for attaching the to portion unit and the base unit of an outdoor ventilation system together for easier transport and assembly at a building construction site. Additionally, the present invention allow for removal and replacement of either the top portion or the base portion relative to its corresponding parts without the need to replace the entirety of the ventilation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: John Lucero
  • Publication number: 20080139106
    Abstract: A ventilation air duct is anchored to a flat roof of a building by means of a ballast material, such as gravel. The weight of the ballast material is selected to secure the duct to the roof without any other fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Christian VACHON
  • Publication number: 20070190925
    Abstract: A self-contained pre-manufactured roof top unit is used to circulate fresh air, heat or cool a building. The housing has a blower connected into a circulation system to circulate air into and out of the building. The unit has a pressure relief opening for connection into the building that is used to relieve air pressure buildup within the building. The pressure relief opening is part of a pressure relief passage that is independent of the blower and has an exhaust vent that opens and closes automatically in response to pressure differential between the building and ambient air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventor: GREIG J. TOLLAR
  • Patent number: 6637168
    Abstract: An aircraft engine run-up hangar comprises a building defining a test chamber capable of receiving an aircraft therein, an air inlet structure, and an exhaust structure. The air inlet structure is formed in a front end part of a roof structure corresponding to a front end part of the building, the exhaust structure is connected to a rear end part of the building and defines an exhaust passage extending obliquely upward from the back end of the building, and one or a plurality of current deflecting members are disposed near a lower end of the air inlet structure to deflect air currents flowing through the air inlet structure into the building toward an aircraft housed in the building. A current-straightening structure is incorporated into the air inlet structure. A current-straightening space is defined under the air inlet structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Satomi, Kazushi Ogawa, Takashi Kawashima, Hidenori Yoshida, Yasuo Saito, Hajime Hirakawa, Kazuyuki Akimoto
  • Patent number: 6354051
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ventilation system for an attic or rafter space that mimics the appearance of the roofing material and thus has little effect on the appearance of the building. The vent has two pieces, a primary vent and a secondary vent and they may be made of aluminum, galvanized steel or copper. The primary vent is installed on a roof deck over a ventilation opening cut through the deck. The secondary vent is constructed to look like the surrounding field tiles and is installed over the primary vent. One or more vent openings in the secondary vent and an opening in the primary vent conduct air between the attic or rafter space and the outside. The secondary vent has a skeleton with one or more vent openings and a cap covering each opening shielding the ventilating space. Skeletons are formed in one piece and are made to fit each different size and type of roofing tile. The caps and the skeleton are ribbed for rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Harry O'Hagin
  • Publication number: 20010039776
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ventilation system for an attic or rafter space that mimics the appearance of the roofing material and thus has little effect on the appearance of the building. The vent has two pieces, a primary vent and a secondary vent and they may be made of aluminum, galvanized steel or copper. The primary vent is installed on a roof deck over a ventilation opening cut through the deck. The secondary vent is constructed to look like the surrounding field tiles and is installed over the primary vent. One or more vent openings in the secondary vent and an opening in the primary vent conduct air between the attic or rafter space and the outside. The secondary vent has a skeleton with one or more vent openings and a cap covering each opening shielding the ventilating space. Skeletons are formed in one piece and are made to fit each different size and type of roofing tile. The caps and the skeleton are ribbed for rigidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: HARRY O'HAGIN
  • Patent number: 6147295
    Abstract: A sunlight energy conversion apparatus comprises a photoelectric transducer comprising a non-single crystal semiconductor and means for supplying heat to the photoelectric transducer through a flowing heating medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiko Mimura, Kimitoshi Fukae, Masahiro Mori, Takeshi Takada, Satoru Shiomi
  • Patent number: 6050039
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ventilation system for an attic or rafter space that mimics the appearance of the roofing material and thus has little effect on the appearance of the building. The vent has two pieces, a primary vent and a secondary vent and they may be made of aluminum, galvanized steel or copper. The primary vent is installed on a roof deck over a ventilation opening cut through the deck. The secondary vent is constructed to look like the surrounding field tiles and is installed over the primary vent. One or more vent openings in the secondary vent and an opening in the primary vent conduct air between the attic or rafter space and the outside. The secondary vent has a skeleton with one or more vent openings and a cap covering each opening shielding the ventilating space. Skeletons are formed in one piece and are made to fit each different size and type of roofing tile. The caps and the skeleton are ribbed for rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Harry O'Hagin